> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manual.minimal.audio/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manual.minimal.audio/current-manual/modulation/envelope.md).

# Envelope

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## Overview <a href="#h_01j94kkfgnpsm5xrsf3cy7brqa" id="h_01j94kkfgnpsm5xrsf3cy7brqa"></a>

The envelope modulator is a 5-stage AHDSR (Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope with per-stage curve control and optional BPM-sync. It offers Looping and One-Shot modes, expanding its functionality for LFO tasks, one-shot wavetable scanning, and more.

<figure><img src="https://427345021-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fvbat4pds7C4cELReQ739%2Fuploads%2FcVomeS80GQHPjhLS59gb%2Fmod_env.png?alt=media&amp;token=fc73133d-c2f5-4e20-be0b-73697fe838a2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## 1. Envelope Modes <a href="#id-01j94km6fyemmrzcpk7as47dma" id="id-01j94km6fyemmrzcpk7as47dma"></a>

Choose between three modes for how the envelope behaves.

**Standard.** This mode provides classic envelope behavior that tracks the note on and off.

**One-Shot.** In this mode, the envelope will play through all of its stages. The sustain stage will no longer hold while a note is down, but its level can still be set. This is great for percussive sounds and for scrubbing through a one-shot sample or wavetable.

**Loop.** In this mode, the envelope will loop through the attack, hold, and decay stages. The sustain stage will be ignored, and the release will still be triggered when the note ends. This can be used to create "function generator" signals similar to those found in many modular synths.

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## 2. Envelope Controls <a href="#id-01j94n48asyzvyp9eje9a7k9hn" id="id-01j94n48asyzvyp9eje9a7k9hn"></a>

**Attack.** Set the attack time.

**Hold.** Set the hold time.

**Decay.** Set the decay time.

**Sustain.** Set the level held while the note is down, after the attack, hold and decay stages.

**Release.** Set the release time.

**Sync.** When active, all envelope stages will be synced to the current BPM.

**Curve.** Adjust the response of the envelope stage from exponential (negative) to linear (0%) and logarithmic (positive). The Attack, Decay and Release stages each have a curve control. The Hold stage has none.

***

## 3. Display Controls <a href="#id-01j94n6j92j3ndy0kv1dgpv8ne" id="id-01j94n6j92j3ndy0kv1dgpv8ne"></a>

**Time Scale.** Set the time scale for the envelope graphic.

**Automatic Time Scale.** When active, the time scaling of the envelope graphic will always snap to the smallest value that displays the entire envelope.

**Envelope Level.** Adjust the level of the envelope. This can be used to attenuate and invert the output of the modulator, allowing for adjustment everywhere it is being used.


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